As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Saudi Arabia maintains favorable relations with both major parties, a significant advantage according to political commentator Ali Shihabi. With a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Kingdom seeks to leverage its U.S. ties while navigating evolving sentiments among Arab-American voters, who show surprising support for Trump over Harris. Despite recent challenges, the prospects for normalization agreements remain relevant as both candidates exhibit interest in Middle Eastern peace initiatives. The engagement of Arab-American voters may influence electoral results, reflecting a growing political awareness in this demographic.
In the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a fortuitous position, enjoying strong relations with both major parties, namely the Democrats and Republicans. An analysis by renowned Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi reveals that the Kingdom’s primary focus is leveraging its relationship with Washington to address crucial regional matters, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “I think the Kingdom is in a very advantageous position of having excellent ties with both parties,” Shihabi expressed during an interview with Arab News on the program “Frankly Speaking,” indicating that either candidate would be beneficial for Saudi interests. Historically, Saudi Arabia has shown a preference for the Republican Party; however, Shihabi notes a significant improvement in relations with Democratic administrations, especially after the onset of the Ukraine-Russian conflict, which highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in the geopolitical landscape. “America is an essential component and American pressure is an essential component,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of U.S. involvement in fostering peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite the prospect of normalization agreements with Israel appearing dim in light of recent events, Shihabi maintains that discussions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have fostered closer security ties, indicating a de facto partnership. Furthermore, he posits that the next U.S. administration, regardless of whether it is led by Trump or Harris, will likely revisit normalization discussions, given both candidates’ demonstrated interest in peace initiatives in the region. As the election draws near, the shifting sentiments of Arab-American voters show a notable 2 percent preference for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, attributed to dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Shihabi indicates that the ties between the Arab-American community and Israel’s actions in Gaza could significantly influence electoral outcomes in swing states. While uncertainty looms over the election results, Shihabi observed that increased voter engagement among Arab Americans could prove impactful, reflecting a growing political awareness within this demographic.
The article discusses the complex dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s relationships with the U.S. Republican and Democratic parties as America approaches its presidential election. Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi provides insights into how the Kingdom benefits from its connections across the political spectrum, particularly in addressing significant regional matters like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The piece outlines historical patterns in U.S.-Saudi relations and the shifting political landscape, particularly in light of the recent geopolitical developments involving Russia and Israel. Additionally, it explores the implications of Arab-American voters on the electoral process, highlighting their increasing political significance.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning enhances its relations with both political parties in the U.S., offering a unique opportunity to address vital regional issues. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscores the importance of American involvement, which is deemed essential for achieving any long-term resolution. Furthermore, the evolving perspectives of Arab-American voters indicate a shift in political engagement that could influence future electoral outcomes, reflecting a maturing awareness of foreign policy issues within this community. As the U.S. prepares for a possible change in leadership, the Kingdom’s diplomatic strategy will likely remain pivotal in its quest for regional stability and cooperation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
